Ballynahinch RFC 2nds proved too strong for Ballyclare in the Towns Cup quarter finals
Towns Cup Quarter Final,
At Ballymacarn Park, Saturday 6th December 2024,
Final Score: Ballynahinch 2nds 31 17 Ballyclare.
Ballynahinch downed Junior kingpins Ballyclare with a superb display to move into the quarter finals of the Towns Cup, a competition which holds a place of real significance in the history of the club writes James Kirk.
Davy Harris was able to field a strong side with Josh Hanlon in the front row and Declan Horrox showing his versatility by slotting into the back row alongside Stephen Campbell and the ever-reliable Jonto Andrews.
The calm, crisp conditions suited a rapid backline including the dangerous Arthur Johnston at scrum-half and evergreen Aaron Cairns on the wing.
Securing sufficient possession to service, the backs was always going to be the key factor in the game and Ballynahinch were given an early boost with a Ballyclare yellow card allowing them to exploit the extra man and take the lead through a Matthew Booth try.
Ballyclare hit back with a penalty and then a try following a period of persistent pressure in the Hinch 22.
Paul Kerr evened the scores on the brink of half time with a well-struck penalty and it was clear that the opening score in the second half would be crucial to the outcome of the game.
The pace of Shay Storey ensured that the home side took a lead they would not surrender when he chased down a well-placed kick to score.
ohnston’s electric break and offload to Kerr took them two scores clear but Ballyclare showed all their resilience to fight back with a score following a multi phase possession and as the game reached its climax they looked increasingly likely to pinch a draw.
However quick hands sent Cairns clear and he raced in for the clinching score on the final whistle to seal a famous win.
This was only a second defeat of the season for Ballyclare as they have moved into the All-Ireland Junior Cup Final and are second in the league.
Harris will hope to have similar resources at his disposal at Barban Hill versus local rivals Dromore in the quarter-final.
Ballynahinch RFC Club Round Up for 6th January 2024
Saturday promises to be a big day with the AIL derby vs Armagh. All support welcome and please arrive early to help us get everyone parked and safely into the ground.
Ballynahinch Women battled gamely against a strong Queens side but suffered a heavy defeat despite tries from Rachel Morton and Jane Patton.
It was a clean sweep for the Senior Men on Saturday with the thirds, fourths and fifths following up on the excellent Towns Cup win from the seconds with big wins of their own.
The thirds thumped derby rivals Dromore, racking up 50 points in the process, while the fourths and fifths began their campaigns in the restructured leagues with bonus point victories over Dungannon and Cooke respectively.
The Club shop is well stocked with merchandise for Christmas. See social media for opening hours.
Pre-match lunches are filling up fast. Armagh on 13th January is now SOLD OUT. To book a place at an AIL lunch contact James Shaw on 07740308051
Youth Training continues on Mondays at 7pm for boys and Wednesdays at 7pm for girls. All players U12/U14/U16/U18 welcome and no experience necessary. Contact Clifton Quinn for details on 07501228045.
Mini rugby continues on Saturday mornings from 9.30-11am. Boys and girls from P1 – Yr8 are all welcome, with training run for each age group in their school year. Mini rugby news is posted weekly on the club Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ballynahinchrfcofficial. For more details contact David Martin – Mini Convenor on 07837944892 or email hinchminis@gmail.com.
Results 06/01/2024
Ballynahinch 14 Queens 61 (Womens Premiership)
Ballynahinch 2 31 Ballyclare 17 (Towns Cup)
Ballynahinch 3 54 Dromore 2 20 (Provincial Prem 1)
Dungannon 3 7 Ballynahinch 4 29 (Provincial East 1)
Cooke 3 8 Ballynahinch 5 65 (Regional South)
Fixtures 13/01/2024
Ballynahinch vs Armagh (AIL Division 1A)
Ballynahinch 2 vs Armagh 2 (2nd XV League) 12.30pm
Ballynahinch 4s vs Banbridge 4 (Provincial East 1) Friday 7.45pm
Ballynahinch U14/16/18 vs Malone 11am
